Földmér

Földmérő, commonly called a surveyor, is a professional who measures the Earth’s surface to determine land boundaries, topography, and the position of man-made and natural features. The term reflects its core tasks in land ownership, construction, and planning. In practice, a földmérő may perform cadastral surveys to delineate property lines, layout sites for buildings, and create maps and geospatial data used by engineers, planners, and authorities. The work combines field measurement with geospatial analysis and map production.

Methods and tools: Traditional fieldwork uses measuring chains, levels, and theodolites; modern surveying relies on GNSS/GPS receivers, total stations, terrestrial laser scanners, photogrammetry, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Data are integrated in geographic information systems (GIS) and computer-aided design (CAD) programs to produce accurate maps, 3D models, and cadastral records.

Education and professional status: training typically involves higher education in surveying, geodesy, civil engineering, or related disciplines. Depending on the country, practitioners may pursue professional licensure or certification and membership in a national surveying association, which sets standards and ethics for practice.

History and significance: surveying has played a central role in land ownership, taxation, infrastructure, and urban development for centuries. From early chain surveys to modern satellite positioning and digital cadastres, the profession has evolved with advances in precision, technology, and data management.

See also: geodesy, cartography, land surveying, cadastral surveying, GIS.